Fostering positive and meaningful change amongst South African youth whose schooling and life experiences have rendered them largely ill-prepared, demotivated and often traumatised, is a complex endeavour, but one which needs urgent attention. Government programmes tend to ignore the psycho-social demands of the transition from unemployed hopelessness to career-oriented hopefulness. This article reports on a case study of a non-formal learning programme, offered by World Changers Academy (WCA), which has been found to be successful in building such psychological career resources amongst marginalised youth. It discusses four aspects of the learning process and the nature of learning which has led to some life-altering changes in youth participating in the programme. These are emotions, healing and hopefulness; identity, purpose and self-confidence; reflection and changing mindsets; community engagement, relationships and authenticity. Lessons from this programme could help in the development of more widespread provision for youth in South Africa and elsewhere.